Winter driving makes UK drivers feel uneasy

November 12th, 2010

New research has revealed that more than half (54%) of motor insurance policy holders in the UK feel less safe when driving in the winter.

Despite this, research from Tyresafe found that almost a fifth of Brits don’t make any changes to their vehicle in order to help them cope with adverse driving conditions during the winter months.

There are many ways to make your journey a safe and pleasant one but by applying just a few simple changes, you can avoid being stranded by the roadside.

Firstly make sure your vehicle is up-to-date with its service and that you have antifreeze in the radiator. Antifreeze costs only a few pounds but can save you hundreds of pounds by stopping your engine from freezing. Try a mixture of half antifreeze and half water and this should give you protection down to very low temperatures.

Make sure your battery is reliable. If its not, change it. The average car battery lasts around five years but with an increased need for heating and windscreen wipers, your battery will have to work a lot harder. If you don’t need to use your electrics then try not to and be sure to turn off the rear window heating as soon as your rear window is clear.

Check your lights are clean and that they are all working. It’s always worth having a few spare bulbs in the car, just in case.

It’s important to make sure your tyres are in good condition too with at least 3mm of tread. Check your tyre pressure and make sure you have a car jack and a wheel brace in the car. It would also be worth learning how to change a wheel if you don’t already know how.

It’s not always possible, but by leaving 5 minutes to get the car prepared for your journey can be a real benefit. Giving your car a chance to warm up will not only make it run better but will also help clear your windscreen of any ice or snow, giving you good visibility on the road.

Don’t forget to keep your mobile phone fully charged and make sure you stay up-to-date with travel and weather news so you know exactly what to expect.

Highways Agency has loads more tips and advice on driving safely this winter.

Entry Filed under: Uncategorized